18.12.13

A Simple Introduction To Piano Chords

By Leanne Goff


Learning how to master the piano takes time. In order to fully master the instrument it can take years of practise. One way to make the process a bit easier is to learn more about piano chords and how they work in order to be more comfortable with playing them.

In simple terms each chord is made of three or more notes. If you only use two notes this is what is known as an interval. Before you play a chord it helps to learn how to play intervals. Once you have practised this and the scale of notes this then becomes a lot easier.

It is also worth noting that after you have learned each individual chord it then becomes easier to play the instrument in general. In order to play them effectively it helps to know where each individual key is on the piano. The first key to look for is the middle C, the white key roughly in the middle.

In simple terms the notes on the white keys go from C, D, E, F, G, A and B from the left and then this is reversed from the right. The black keys are the sharps and the flats and this differentiates chords. For example you may get a chord that is an E flat or an E sharp.

A major key tends to be more upbeat which is why it is often used in a lot of pop songs, often with a key change towards the climax to add more emotional uplift. However it is important to remember than a minor key is not lesser or inferior. It tends to be used for more melancholic songs. It can be interesting playing a typically upbeat song in this key as it can substantially change the tone and the meaning behind the lyrics.

Some people can be intimidated when it comes to learning the piano. In an odd way it can be more instinctive than instruments such as the guitar. This is because it is easier to position your hands to play a piano than the way you need to twist your hands round in order to play the guitar.

Developing your skills can become easier with the right tutor. They can guide you so you learn at your own pace. You can also use video tutorials and guides online to further practise and develop in between lessons. A mixture of resources will often make it easier to practise and get more confident playing your instrument. While it can seem daunting at first being able to repeat and practise over and over again will make playing more intuitive.

There are a lot of books that provide piano chords. Ideally you want to choose a book that includes songs that you like. This will then make you more likely to want to learn to play and will mean you are more likely to independently practise rather than trying over and over to play something you do not really like. With a smart approach and the right teacher you can get the most from your instrument!




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